Delivery device for a vascular access instrument

ABSTRACT

A delivery device for delivering an instrument into a catheter assembly may include a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a slot. The delivery device may include a guide feature, which may be disposed within the housing. The guide feature may extend through the slot. The delivery device may include an instrument disposed within the housing and extending through the guide feature. In response to movement of the guide feature along the slot in the distal direction a first distance, a first end of the instrument may be advanced in the distal direction a second distance, which may be greater than the first distance. A second end of the instrument may be stationary with respect to the housing.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No.62/696,229, filed Jul. 10, 2018, and entitled DELIVERY DEVICE FOR AVASCULAR ACCESS INSTRUMENT, which is incorporated herein in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

Catheters are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. Forexample, catheters may be used for infusing fluids, such as normalsaline solution, various medicaments, and total parenteral nutrition,into a patient. Catheters may also be used for withdrawing blood fromthe patient.

A common type of catheter is an over-the-needle peripheral intravenous(“IV”) catheter. As its name implies, the over-the-needle catheter maybe mounted over an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip. Thecatheter and the introducer needle may be assembled so that the distaltip of the introducer needle extends beyond the distal tip of thecatheter with the bevel of the needle facing up away from skin of thepatient. The catheter and introducer needle are generally inserted at ashallow angle through the skin into vasculature of the patient.

In order to verify proper placement of the introducer needle and/or thecatheter in the blood vessel, a clinician generally confirms that thereis “flashback” of blood in a flashback chamber of the catheter assembly.Once placement of the needle has been confirmed, the clinician maytemporarily occlude flow in the vasculature and remove the needle,leaving the catheter in place for future blood withdrawal or fluidinfusion.

Blood withdrawal using a peripheral IV catheter may be difficult forseveral reasons, particularly when an indwelling time of the catheter ismore than one day. For example, when the catheter is left inserted inthe patient for a prolonged period of time, the catheter may be moresusceptible to narrowing, collapse, kinking, blockage by debris (e.g.,fibrin or platelet clots), and adhering of a tip of the catheter to thevasculature. Due to this, catheters may often be used for acquiring ablood sample at a time of catheter placement but are much lessfrequently used for acquiring a blood sample during the catheter dwellperiod. Therefore, when a blood sample is required, an additional needlestick is needed to provide vein access for blood collection, which maybe painful for the patient and result in higher material costs.Accordingly, there is a need for catheter systems and methods thatfacilitate placement of blood sample instruments, such as, for example,catheters, and probe instruments in the vasculature of the patientwithout additional needle sticks.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments thatsolve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such asthose described above. Rather, this background is only provided toillustrate one example technology area where some implementationsdescribed herein may be practiced.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to a delivery device fordelivering a vascular access instrument into a catheter assembly and/orvein of a patient, as well as related systems and methods. In someembodiments, the delivery device may include a housing having a proximalend, a distal end, and a slot. In some embodiments, the delivery devicemay include a guide feature, which may be disposed within the housing.In some embodiments, the guide feature may extend through the slot. Insome embodiments, the guide feature may include a channel, which may begenerally U-shaped. In some embodiments, the guide feature may includean advancement tab, which may be configured to be moved by a hand of auser.

In some embodiments, the delivery device may include an instrumentdisposed within the housing and extending through the guide feature. Forexample, in some embodiments, the instrument may extend through thechannel. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the guidefeature along the slot in the distal direction a first distance, a firstend of the instrument may be advanced in the distal direction a seconddistance, which may be greater than the first distance. In someembodiments, the second distance may be two times the first distance. Insome embodiments, a second end of the instrument may be stationary withrespect to the housing. In some embodiments, the first end of theinstrument may be advanced in the distal direction beyond the distal endof the housing in response to the guide feature being partially and/orfully advanced along the slot in the distal direction.

In some embodiments, the instrument may include a probe, a light tubefor disinfection, or another suitable instrument. In some embodiments,the instrument may include a catheter. In these and other embodiments,the housing may include extension tubing, which may extend outwardlyfrom a distal portion of the housing. In some embodiments, the secondend of the instrument may be coupled to the extension tubing.

In some embodiments, a guidewire may be disposed within the catheter. Insome embodiments, in response to movement of the guide feature along theslot in the distal direction, the guidewire may move through thechannel. In some embodiments, the first end of the guidewire may beadvanced in the distal direction beyond the distal end of the housing inresponse to the guide feature being partially and/or fully advancedalong the slot in the distal direction.

In some embodiments, the delivery device may include support tubing,which may extend from and be coupled to the guide feature. In someembodiments, in response to movement of the guide feature along the slotin the distal direction, the instrument may move through the supporttubing.

In some embodiments, the channel may be horizontally or verticallyoriented within the housing. In some embodiments, a portion of theinstrument between the second end of the instrument and the guidefeature may be generally parallel with a longitudinal axis of thedelivery device. In some embodiments, the portion of the instrumentbetween the second end of the instrument and the guide feature may beangled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the delivery device. Insome embodiments, a portion of the instrument between the first end ofthe instrument and the guide feature may be parallel with thelongitudinal axis of the delivery device. In some embodiments, theportion of the instrument between the first end of the instrument andthe guide feature may be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis ofthe delivery device.

In some embodiments, the delivery device may allow the instrument toaccess vasculature of a patient through another vascular access device,such as, for example, a catheter assembly, which may be inserted intothe vasculature of the patient. In some embodiments, when the instrumentis introduced into the catheter assembly via delivery device, theinstrument may access a fluid pathway of the catheter assembly and/orthe instrument may extend through the catheter assembly and access thevasculature of the patient. In some embodiments, the catheter assemblymay include a catheter adapter and another catheter, which may extenddistally from the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, a proximal endof the other catheter may be secured within the catheter adapter.

In some embodiments, a catheter system may include the delivery deviceand/or the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the catheter assemblymay be coupled to the distal end of the housing. In some embodiments,the first end of the instrument may be advanced in the distal directionbeyond the distal end of the housing in response to the guide featurebeing partially and/or fully advanced along the slot in the distaldirection.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and arenot restrictive of the invention, as claimed. It should be understoodthat the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements andinstrumentality shown in the drawings. It should also be understood thatthe embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may beutilized and that structural changes, unless so claimed, may be madewithout departing from the scope of the various embodiments of thepresent invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, notto be taken in a limiting sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1A is a top view of an example delivery device, illustrating anexample catheter and example guidewire each in a fully retractedposition, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 1B is a side view of the delivery device of FIG. 1A, illustratingthe catheter and the guidewire each in the fully retracted position,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the delivery device along line1C-1C of FIG. 1B, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of the delivery device along line1D-1D of FIG. 1B, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2A is a top view of the delivery device of FIG. 1A, illustratingthe catheter and the guidewire each in a fully advanced position,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the delivery device of FIG. 1A, illustratingthe catheter and the guidewire each in the fully advanced position,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the delivery device along line2C-2C of FIG. 2B, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3A is a top view of another example delivery device, illustratingan example instrument in a fully retracted position and example supporttubing, according to some embodiments; p FIG. 3B is a top view of thedelivery device of FIG. 3A, illustrating the instrument in a fullyadvanced position, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4A is a top view of another example delivery device, illustratingan example instrument in a fully retracted position and example supporttubing, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4B is a top view of the delivery device of FIG. 3A, illustratingthe instrument in a partially advanced position, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 4C is a top view of the delivery device of FIG. 3A, illustratingthe instrument in a fully advanced position, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 5A is a top view of another example delivery device, illustratingthe instrument in a fully retracted position, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the delivery device along line5B-5B of FIG. 5A, illustrating the instrument in the fully retractedposition, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the delivery device along line5C-5C of FIG. 5A, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an example catheter system,according to some embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1D, a delivery device 10 is illustrated,according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the delivery device10 may facilitate delivery of an instrument, such as, for example, acatheter 12, into an intravenous catheter assembly and/or a vein of apatient. In some embodiments, the delivery device 10 may facilitateplacement of the catheter 12 into a second catheter, which may includean indwelling peripheral intravenous catheter (“PIVC”). In someembodiments, the instrument may include a probe (which may include asensor), a light tube for disinfection, or another suitable instrument,which may be placed into the second catheter via the delivery device 10.

In some embodiments, the delivery device 10 may include a housing 14. Insome embodiments, the housing may include a distal end 16, a proximalend 18, and a slot 20. In some embodiments, the housing 14 may encase orenclose the instrument when the instrument is in a retracted position.In some embodiments, the housing 14 may be cylindrical. In someembodiments, the housing 14 may be non-transparent. In some embodiments,as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the housing 14 may be transparent. In someembodiments, the instrument may be supported within the housing at oneor more locations.

In some embodiments, the delivery device 10 may include a guide feature22, which may be disposed within the housing 14. In some embodiments,the guide feature 22 may extend through the slot 20. In someembodiments, the guide feature 22 may include an advancement tab 26,which may be configured to be moved by a hand of a user. In someembodiments, the guide feature 22 may be moveable along the slot 20 toadvance the instrument in a distal direction 23 and/or retract theinstrument in a proximal direction 25.

In some embodiments, the advancement tab 26 may include various shapes,sizes, and configurations. In some embodiments, the advancement tab 26may be disposed on a top, side, or bottom of the delivery device 10. Insome embodiments, the slot 20 may be disposed in any portion of thehousing 14. In some embodiments, the slot 20 may be disposed in a leftor right side of the housing 14. In some embodiments, the slot 20 may bedisposed in a top or bottom of the housing 14. In some embodiments, theslot 20 may be aligned with a longitudinal axis 27 of the deliverydevice 10. In some embodiments, the housing 14 may include multipleslots 20, which may allow for a particular guide feature 22 with anincreased width to extend through the slots 20.

In some embodiments, the guide feature 22 may include an instrumentsupport structure, such as, for example, a channel 24. In someembodiments, the channel 24 may be generally U-shaped. In someembodiments, the channel 24 may include a U-shape having arms that aregenerally parallel to each other (as illustrated in FIG. 5B, forexample). In some embodiments, the channel 24 may include a U-shapehaving arms that point away from or towards each other. In someembodiments, the support structure may include various shapes andconfigurations. In some embodiments, the channel 24 may be part of atunnel, which may enclose the instrument. In some embodiments, theinstrument may be disposed within the housing 14 and may extend throughthe guide feature 22. For example, in some embodiments, the instrumentmay extend through the channel 24.

In some embodiments, in response to movement of the guide feature 22along the slot 20 in the distal direction 23, a first end 28 of theinstrument may be advanced distally. In some embodiments, a second end30 of the instrument may be stationary with respect to the housing 14.For example, in some embodiments, the second end 30 of the instrumentmay be fixed inside and/or to the housing 14.

In some embodiments, the delivery device 10 may include a blood controlseptum 31, which may be disposed within a lumen of the delivery device10. In some embodiments, the septum 31 may be disposed proximate ortowards the distal end 16 of the housing 14 of the delivery device 10.In some embodiments, the instrument may penetrate the septum 31 when theinstrument is fully retracted or the instrument may penetrate the septum31 in response to being advanced. In some embodiments, the septum 31 mayprevent blood from entering an interior of the delivery device 10.

In some embodiments, the instrument may include the catheter 12, and thesecond end 30 of the instrument may be coupled to extension tubing 32.In some embodiments, the extension tubing 32 may be coupled to a bloodcollection device. In some embodiments, the blood collection device mayinclude any suitable type of blood collection device. In someembodiments, the blood collection device may include a reservoir. Insome embodiments, the blood collection device may include a vacuum tube,test tube, or syringe. In some embodiments, the blood collection devicemay include an adapter, which may be configured to hold a test tube orsyringe. In some embodiments, a fluid pathway of the delivery device 10may include the catheter 12 and the extension tubing 32.

In some embodiments, the catheter 12 may be used for fluid infusionand/or blood withdrawal. In some embodiments, a guidewire 34 may bedisposed within the catheter 12. In some embodiments, the guidewire 34may be used to facilitate placement of the catheter 12 within the veinof the patient, which may result in less vein-related trauma and maysupport the catheter 12 during advancement to prevent collapse orbuckling of the catheter 12 as it advances through a second catheter(such as, for example, the catheter 65, illustrated in FIG. 6). It isunderstood that in some embodiments, the delivery device 10 may notinclude the guidewire 34.

In some embodiments, the guidewire 34 may include a first end 36 and asecond end 38. In some embodiments, the guidewire 34 and the catheter 12may be advanced and/or retracted together. In some embodiments, thesecond end 38 of the guidewire 34 may be stationary with respect to thehousing. For example, in some embodiments, the second end 38 of theguidewire may be fixed inside the catheter 12 and/or the housing 14.

In some embodiments, the catheter 12 may include a multi-diametercatheter, such as described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No.62/660,646, filed Apr. 20, 2018, entitled “MULTI-DIAMETER CATHETER ANDRELATED DEVICES AND METHODS,” which is incorporated herein by reference.In some embodiments, the multi-diameter catheter may allow improvedblood flow rates during blood collection. In some embodiments, an outerdiameter of the guidewire 34 may be less than an inner diameter of thecatheter 12 such that blood may flow around the guidewire 34 duringblood collection.

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate the catheter 12 and the guidewire 34 in a fullyretracted position, prior to advancing the catheter 12 and the guidewire34 or after returning the catheter 12 and the guidewire 34 from anadvanced position, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments,when the guide feature 22 is fully retracted proximally to retract thecatheter 12 and/or the guidewire 34, the guide feature 22 may contact aproximal end of the slot 20 and/or a proximal end 18 of the housing,which may act as a stop.

In some embodiments, the delivery device 10 may include a connector 40,which may be disposed at the distal end 16 of the housing 14. In someembodiments, the connector 40 may be configured to couple the deliverydevice 10 to the intravenous catheter assembly (as illustrated, forexample, in FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the connector 40 may include aluer adapter, such as a slip or thread male or female luer adapter, oranother suitable connector.

In some embodiments, the channel 24 may be horizontally oriented withinthe housing, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. For example, arms of thechannel 24 that is generally U-shaped may be positioned generally sideby side when the delivery device 10 is coupled to a catheter assemblypositioned for insertion into the patient, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Insome embodiments, a portion of the instrument between the second end 30of the instrument and the guide feature 22 may be generally parallelwith the longitudinal axis 27, as illustrated, for example in FIGS. 1Aand 1C. In some embodiments, the portion of the instrument between thesecond end 30 of the instrument and the guide feature 22 may be angledwith respect to the longitudinal axis 27. In some embodiments, a portionof the instrument between the first end 28 of the instrument and theguide feature 22 may be parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis27. In some embodiments, the portion of the instrument between the firstend 28 of the instrument and the guide feature 22 may be angled withrespect to the longitudinal axis 27, as illustrated, for example, inFIGS. 1A and 1C.

In some embodiments, the delivery device 10 may include one or moremarkings 29, which may provide a visual and/or tactile indication to theuser of a position of the instrument. In further detail, in someembodiments, the markings 29 may indicate a distance that the instrumentis advanced and/or retracted. For example, a particular marking 29 maycorrespond to a position of the guide feature 22 to position the distalend of the instrument at or near a tip of the catheter 12 or anotherlocation. In some embodiments, the markings 29 may be disposed on anouter surface of the delivery device 10. In some embodiments, at leastsome of the markings 29 may include detents and/or protrusions. In someembodiments, at least some of the markings 29 may include detents, whichmay be configured to hold the guide feature 22 at pre-determinedpositions and/or provide resistance to movement of the guide feature 22from the detents.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2C, the guide feature 22 may be fullyadvanced, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, when theguide feature 22 is fully advanced in the distal direction 23 to fullyadvance the instrument and/or the guidewire 34, the guide feature 22 maycontact a distal end of the slot 20 and/or an inner surface of thehousing 14, which may act as a stop.

In some embodiments, the first end 28 of the instrument may be advancedin the distal direction 23 beyond the distal end of the housing 14 inresponse to the guide feature 22 being partially and/or fully advancedalong the slot 20 in the distal direction 23. In some embodiments, inresponse to movement of the guide feature 22 along the slot 20 in thedistal direction 23 a first distance, the first end 28 of the instrumentmay be advanced in the distal direction 23 a second distance greaterthan the first distance. In some embodiments, the second distance may betwo times the first distance (“a 1:2 advancement ratio”).

If a particular guide feature were to be moved along a particular slotin the distal direction 23 the first distance, and a first end of aparticular instrument advanced in the distal direction 23 a distanceequal to the first distance (a “1:1 advancement ratio”), a length of aparticular delivery device may need to be increased proportionally witha length of the instrument. Particularly when the instrument is long toprovide a distant reach, this means the particular delivery device mayalso be long, which can significantly impact its use-ability, cost, andperformance. As the length of the particular delivery device isincreased, the instrument may be more likely to kink or collapse duringadvancement. In some embodiments, the 1:2 advancement ratio (or anotheradvancement ratio where the second distance is greater than the firstdistance) between the guide feature 22 and the first end 28 of theinstrument may provide reliability and structural support as theinstrument is advanced, while also providing an instrument with longreach.

In some embodiments, the 1:2 advancement ratio (or another advancementratio where the second distance is greater than the first distance)between the guide feature 22 and the first end 28 of the instrument maybe accomplished by creating a U-shape in the instrument inside thehousing 14 and supporting the instrument within the guide feature 22.Thus, in some embodiments, the delivery device 10 may facilitate supportand advancement of an instrument having an increased length. Inparticular, in some embodiments, the channel 24 or another suitablestructure of the guide feature 22 may support the instrument as theinstrument is advanced through the channel 24 and distally into thevasculature. In some embodiments, the 1:2 advancement ratio between theguide feature 22 and the first end 28 of the instrument may include anapproximately 1:2 advancement ratio between the guide feature 22 and thefirst end 28. In some embodiments, in response to movement of the guidefeature 22 along the slot 20 in the distal direction 23 the firstdistance, the first end 28 of the instrument may be advanced in thedistal direction 23 a second distance that is more than two times thefirst distance, which may include at least two times the first distance.In these and other embodiments, the instrument may be configured inmultiple U-shapes and/or the delivery device 10 may include multipleU-shaped channels or other suitable support structures.

In some embodiments, in response to movement of the guide feature 22along the slot 20 in the distal direction 23, the guidewire 34 may movethrough the channel 24 with the catheter 12. In some embodiments, thefirst end 36 of the guidewire 34 may be advanced in the distal direction23 beyond the distal end of the housing 14 in response to the guidefeature 22 being partially and/or fully advanced along the slot 20 inthe distal direction 23.

In some embodiments, the first end 36 of the guidewire 34 may bedisposed proximal and/or proximate to a transition in an inner diameterof the catheter 12 to allow blood or other fluid to flow in an annularspace between an inner diameter of the catheter 12 and an outer diameterof the guidewire 34. In some embodiments, the guidewire 34 may providesupport to the catheter 12 along a full or partial length of thecatheter 12. In some embodiments, the guidewire 34 may improvestructural reliability of the catheter 12, provide adequate bloodcollection fill time performance, reduce blood hemolysis risks ormaintain adequate blood hemolysis risks, and reduce a risk of kinking ofthe catheter 12. In some embodiments, the housing 14 may facilitate fullenclosure of the guidewire 34 and/or the catheter 12 upon completion ofblood sampling.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3B, in some embodiments, a delivery device 50may include support tubing 52, which may extend from the guide feature22. In some embodiments, a proximal end 54 of the support tubing 52 maybe fixed to the guide feature 22. In some embodiments, the deliverydevice 50 may include or correspond to the delivery device 10 discussedwith respect to FIGS. 1-2. In further detail, in some embodiments, thedelivery device 50 may include one or more features of the deliverydevice 10. Similarly, in some embodiments, the delivery device 10 mayinclude one or more features of the delivery device 50.

In some embodiments, in response to movement of the guide feature 22along the slot 20 in the distal direction 23, the instrument may movethrough the support tubing 52. In some embodiments, the support tubing52 may include a larger inner diameter than an outer diameter of theinstrument such that the instrument may move through the support tubing52. In some embodiments, the support tubing 52 may provide support tothe first end 28 or the free end of the instrument. In some embodiments,in response to movement of the guide feature 22 along the slot 20 in thedistal direction 23 the first distance, a distal end 56 of the supporttubing 52 may be advanced in the distal direction 23 a distance equal tothe first distance (a “1:1 advancement ratio”), while the first end 28of the instrument may be advanced a distance greater than that of thefirst distance, such as for example, twice the first distance (“a 1:2advancement ratio”). In some embodiments, the differing advancementratios of the guide feature 22 with respect to the first end 28 andguide feature 22 with respect to the support tubing 52 may result in thesupport tubing 52 not advancing distally beyond a decreased diameterportion of the instrument, and the decreased diameter portion of theinstrument advancing distally through the catheter assembly and into thevasculature.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, in some embodiments, a delivery device 58may facilitate a timed or delayed exit of the instrument from thesupport tubing 52. In further detail, in some embodiments, the first end28 of the instrument may be shortened so that it is positioned proximalto at least a portion of the support tubing 52 when the guide feature 22is fully retracted, as illustrated in FIG. 4A. In some embodiments, thedelivery device 58 may include or correspond to the delivery device 10and/or the delivery device 50 discussed with respect to FIGS. 1-3. Infurther detail, in some embodiments, the delivery device 58 may includeone or more features of the delivery device 10 and/or the deliverydevice 50. Similarly, in some embodiments, the delivery device 10 and/orthe delivery device 50 may include one or more features of the deliverydevice 58.

In some embodiments, given the 1:2 advancement ratio (or anotheradvancement ratio where the second distance is greater than the firstdistance) between the guide feature 22 and the first end 28 of theinstrument and the 1:1 advancement ratio between the guide feature 22and the distal end 56 of the support tubing 52, the first end 28 of theinstrument may exit the distal end 56 of the support tubing 52. In someembodiments, the first end 28 of the instrument may exit the distal end56 of the support tubing 52 to facilitate entry of the instrument into aportion of the catheter assembly that may be too narrow for the supporttubing 52 to enter.

In some embodiments, when the delivery device 50 includes the supporttubing 52, the catheter 12 may be constructed of a softer material thanpolyimide, which may be less damaging to the vein wall. In these andother embodiments, the catheter 12 may include a tube constructed of oneor more of polyurethane, silicon, thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”),thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”), and another suitable compliantmaterial.

In some embodiments, the channel 24 may be disposed in variousorientations within the housing 14. Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5C, insome embodiments, the channel 24 of a delivery device 60 may bevertically oriented within the housing 14. For example, arms of thechannel 24 that is generally U-shaped may be positioned generally aboveand below each other when the delivery device 10 is coupled to acatheter assembly positioned for insertion into the patient, asillustrated in FIG. 6. In these embodiments, the first end 28 of theinstrument may be disposed below the longitudinal axis 27, and thesecond end 30 of the instrument may be disposed above the longitudinalaxis 27. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first end 28 may bedisposed above the longitudinal axis 27 and the second end 30 may bedisposed below the longitudinal axis 27.

In some embodiments, the delivery device 60 may include or correspond tothe one or more of the following: the delivery device 10, the deliverydevice 50, and the delivery device 58. In further detail, in someembodiments, the delivery device 60 may include one or more features ofthe delivery device 10, the delivery device 50, and/or the deliverydevice 58. Similarly, in some embodiments, the delivery device 10, thedelivery device 50, and/or the delivery device 58 may include one ormore features of the delivery device 60.

In some embodiments, a curvature of the U-shape may vary depending on,for example, on a bend radius of a material from which the instrument 24is constructed. In some embodiments, the curvature of the U-shape may beconfigured to prevent kinking of or damage to the instrument 24.

Referring now to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, a catheter system 61 mayinclude a catheter assembly 62 and/or a delivery device 84. In someembodiments, the delivery device 84 may include or correspond to the oneor more of the following: the delivery device 10, the delivery device50, the delivery device 58, and the delivery device 60. In furtherdetail, in some embodiments, the delivery device 84 may include one ormore features of the delivery device 10, the delivery device 50, thedelivery device 58, and/or the delivery device 60. Similarly, in someembodiments, the delivery device 10, the delivery device 50, thedelivery device 58, and/or the delivery device 60 may include one ormore features of the delivery device 84.

In some embodiments, the delivery device 84 may be coupled to thecatheter assembly 62, which may include a catheter adapter 64 and acatheter 65. In some embodiments, the catheter 65 may be indwelling. Insome embodiments, the catheter 65 may include a PIVC. In someembodiments, the catheter 65 may be secured to the catheter adapter 64and may extend distally from the catheter adapter 64. In someembodiments, the catheter adapter 64 may include a distal end 66, aproximal end 68, and a lumen 70 extending between the distal end 66 andthe proximal end 68. In some embodiments, the distal end 66 and theproximal end 68 of the catheter adapter 64 may be axially aligned.

In some embodiments, the catheter system 61 may include a straight ornon-integrated catheter adapter 64. In some embodiments, the cathetersystem 61 may include an integrated catheter adapter 64, as illustrated,for example, in FIG. 6. In further detail, in some embodiments, the IVcatheter system may include a catheter adapter 64 having an integratedextension tube, such as, for example, the BD NEXIVA™ Closed IV CatheterSystem, the BD NEXIVA™ DIFFUSICS™ Closed IV Catheter System, or theBecton Dickinson PEGASUS™ Safety Closed IV Catheter System. In someembodiments, the catheter adapter 64 may include a side port 72 fromwhich an extension tube 76 may extend.

In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 62 may include an extensionset 74, which may be coupled to the catheter adapter 64. In someembodiments, the extension set 74 may include the extension tube 76,which may include a distal end 78 and a proximal end 80. In someembodiments, the extension tubing 76 may extend from the side port 72.

In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 62 may include a connector82, which may be configured to couple the delivery device 84 to thecatheter assembly 62. In some embodiments, the connector 82 may becoupled to the proximal end 80 of the extension tubing 76. In otherembodiments, the connector 82 may be disposed at the proximal end 68 ofthe catheter adapter 64 or another location. In some embodiments, theconnector 82 may include a luer adapter, such as a male or female lueradapter, or another suitable connector.

In some embodiments, the first end 36 of the guidewire 34 and/or thefirst end 28 of the instrument may be disposed distal to the distal endof the catheter 65 when the instrument and the guidewire 34 are fullyand/or partially advanced. In some embodiments, the catheter 12 mayprovide structural support to the catheter 65. In some embodiments, thecatheter 12 may allow the user to draw a blood sample or infuse fluidthrough the catheter 65 when the catheter 65 is no longer functional orsafe due to, for example, debris build up on a tip 85 of the catheter 65and/or collapse of the catheter 65. Thus, in some embodiments, thecatheter 12 may reduce a number of needle sticks that the patientexperiences as the catheter 65 may be replaced less frequently.

In some embodiments, delivery of the catheter 12 into the cathetersystem 61 and/or the vasculature of the patient may reduce bloodhemolysis and a risk of kinking of the catheter 65. In some embodiments,the delivery device 84 may allow use of the guidewire 34, which mayimprove placement of the catheter 12 within the vasculature. In someembodiments, the connector 82 may be disposed remotely from the patient,which may reduce a risk of disturbing an insertion site of the catheter65.

It is understood that in some embodiments, the catheter 12 and/or theguidewire 36 may be replaced with another instrument, such as, forexample, a probe (which may include a sensor), a light tube fordisinfection, or another suitable instrument.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended forpedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the invention andthe concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and areto be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recitedexamples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present inventionshave been described in detail, it should be understood that the variouschanges, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A delivery device for delivering a catheterinto a catheter assembly, the delivery device comprising: a housinghaving a proximal end, a distal end, and a slot; a guide featuredisposed within the housing, wherein the guide feature extends throughthe slot, wherein the guide feature comprises a channel, wherein thechannel is generally U-shaped; a catheter disposed within the housingand extending through the channel that is generally U-shaped, wherein inresponse to movement of the guide feature along the slot in a distaldirection, the catheter moves through the channel and a first end of thecatheter is advanced in the distal direction, wherein a second end ofthe catheter is stationary with respect to the housing; and a guidewiredisposed within the catheter, wherein in response to movement of theguide feature along the slot in the distal direction, the guidewire andthe catheter move together through the channel.
 2. The delivery deviceof claim 1, wherein in response to movement of the guide feature alongthe slot in the distal direction a first distance, the first end of thecatheter is advanced in the distal direction a second distance, whereinthe second distance is greater than the first distance.
 3. The deliverydevice of claim 1, wherein the first end of the catheter is advanced inthe distal direction beyond the distal end of the housing in response tothe guide feature being fully advanced along the slot in the distaldirection.
 4. The delivery device of claim 1, wherein the housingfurther comprises extension tubing extending outwardly from a distalportion of the housing, wherein the second end of the catheter iscoupled to the extension tubing.
 5. The delivery device of claim 1,wherein a first end of the guidewire is advanced in the distal directionbeyond the distal end of the housing in response to the guide featurebeing fully advanced along the slot in the distal direction.
 6. Thedelivery device of claim 1, wherein in response to movement of the guidefeature along the slot in the distal direction a first distance, a firstend of the guidewire is advanced in the distal direction a seconddistance, wherein the second distance is greater than the firstdistance.
 7. The delivery device of claim 1, further comprising supporttubing extending from the guide feature and coupled to the guidefeature, wherein in response to movement of the guide feature along theslot in the distal direction a first distance, the catheter movesthrough the support tubing and a first end of the support tubing isadvanced in the distal direction the first distance.
 8. The deliverydevice of claim 1, wherein the channel is horizontally oriented withinthe housing.
 9. The delivery device of claim 1, wherein the channel isvertically oriented within the housing.
 10. The delivery device of claim1, wherein a portion of the catheter between the second end of thecatheter and the guide feature is generally parallel with a longitudinalaxis of the delivery device.
 11. The delivery device of claim 1, whereina portion of the catheter between the second end of the catheter and theguide feature is angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of thedelivery device.
 12. The delivery device of claim 1, wherein a portionof the catheter between the first end of the catheter and the guidefeature is parallel with a longitudinal axis of the delivery device. 13.The delivery device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the catheterbetween the first end of the catheter and the guide feature is angledwith respect to a longitudinal axis of the delivery device.
 14. Thedelivery device of claim 1, wherein the guide feature further comprisesan advancement tab configured to be moved by a hand of a user.
 15. Adelivery device for delivering a catheter into a catheter assembly, thedelivery device comprising: a housing having a proximal end, a distalend, and a slot; a guide feature disposed within the housing, whereinthe guide feature extends through the slot, wherein the guide featurecomprises a channel, wherein the channel is generally U-shaped; acatheter disposed within the housing and extending through the channelthat is generally U-shaped, wherein in response to movement of the guidefeature along the slot in a distal direction, the catheter moves throughthe channel and a first end of the catheter is advanced in the distaldirection, wherein a second end of the catheter is stationary withrespect to the housing; and a guidewire disposed within the catheter andthe channel that is generally U-shaped, wherein the guidewire is spacedapart from the catheter such that blood flows between the guidewire andthe catheter and through the channel; and wherein in response tomovement of the guide feature along the slot in the distal direction,the guidewire and the catheter move together through the channel.